Butler County, KS
Butler County has been a rich cattle grazing land since the 1860s. As early as 1857, the first pioneers looked down on the beautiful Walnut River valley and decided to make it home. At the center of the Flint Hills, the area has changed little since Captain Zebulon Pike noted the hills covered with flint rock cobbles during his 1806 expedition across Kansas. The Name "Flint Hills" had identified the region ever since.Since the beginning a lore of cowboys, cattle drives, and western style living has entertained and amazed the area traveler. The first cattle drives began in Texas during 1865 when animals were driven to Kansas railroads through the Flint Hills. By 1885 the wild Texas cattle drives were over and 5 million cattle had passed through the Hills on their journey to eastern markets. The era of custom grazing of out-of-state cattle began, and today over 1 million head of cattle are fattened annually on the lush pasture land.
The peaceful tranquility of the region changed forever when oil was discovered near El Dorado in 1915.
Cattle grazing and bottom land farming gave way to the mixed economy of beef and black gold.
Several area driving tours are available for the interest of the photographer, bird watcher, fossil hunter, antique lover, fisherman or amateur historian. So treat yourself to one of the best kept secret in the land - Butler County, where rich history, breathtaking scenery, and adventure abound.
Explore Butler County
Butler County History Center HomeKansas Oil Museum
The Butler County Historical Society portrays our county's unique history. The museum consists of an indoor exhibit building and nine acres of outdoor exhibits. The outdoor exhibits are divided into two areas: Oil field equipment and the K.T. Wiedemann Living History Park. More than 20
El Dorado, KS MuseumsTriple S Ranch Supply
A true "Don't judge a book by its cover" stop; something for everyone can be found at Triple S Ranch Supply. They meet your ranching needs as well as a full line of clothing for the cowboy and cowgirl. Ropes, hats and boots are available. If they don'
El Dorado, KS Venue AttractionsBeaumont Hotel
The Beaumont Hotel was created in 1879 as a stagecoach and railroad stop to shelter weary pioneers when the railroad brought cattle barons and frontier society to The Beaumont.
Beaumont, KS Historic HotelsMissouri-Pacific Depot
The El Dorado Missouri-Pacific Depot began as a wooden structure in 1883 in a town of less than 2,000 people. It served as a center of activity and development for the community with news being brought in by train and other news transferred by the telegraph located at the depot.
El Dorado, KS Railroad HistoryAugusta Historic Theater
The Augusta Historical Theatre, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a perfect example of the architectural elegance and grandeur of movie palaces in the 1920s and 1930s during the height of grand theatre building in the United States. The Augusta Theater opened June 19, 193
Augusta, KS Historic TheatresWilliam Allen White Monument
The commemorative marble monument honors the Pulitzer Prize winning editor who was reared in El Dorado.
William Allen White
The world beat a path to the cluttered desk of William Allen White, publisher of a small daily newspaper, The Emporia Gazette in Kansas.
El Dorado, KS Monuments
El Dorado, Kansas - City of the Arts
ART GALLERIES Commerce Bank Atrium Gallery Circle Gallery & Frame Shop Gift Horse Farm - Gallery & Gardens Bill Walton Studio & Art Gallery Erman B. White Gallery Time-Light Images Gallery & Frame Studio ART STUDIOS Coutts Artist's Downtown Studio's Including - Jim Clements, artist
El Dorado, KS ArtsEl Dorado Civic Center
Reservations for your meeting, banquet or workshop is as easy as one, two, three.
El Dorado, KS Civic Centers